Captive aeroplane.



C. S. MbCOOLE. CAPTIVE AEROFLANE.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 13. I915.

M H m: .3

WITNESSES:

M M E G. S. McCOOLE.

CAPTWE AEHOPLANE.

APPLICATION men my 1a. 1915.

Patented Oct. 17, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

WITNESSES.

(Zr/Wm. 2 7 M C. S. McCUDLE. CAPTIVE AEROPLANE. APPLICATION FILED MAY I3. 1915.

Patented Oct. 17, 1916.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

llllllllfllll lllllllm WITNESSES:

C. S. McCOOLE.

CAPTIVE AEROPLANE. APPLICATION mu MAY 13, 1915.

1 ,201 ,839. Patented Oct. 17, 1916.

B! +21 1%- ATTORNEY UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CLAUDE S. MCCOOLE, OF LORAIN, OHIO.

CAPTIVE AEROPLANE.

Application filed May 13, 1915.

To all Il /LOTIZ it may concern:

Be it known that. I, Cmunn S. MoGooLn, a eitizen of the United States, residing at Lorain. in the county of Lorain and State of (lhio. have invented eertain new and useful Improvenumts in Captive .-\eroplanes, oi whieh the following is a speeification.

My invention relates to aeroplane devices and espeeially wherein sueh devices are used for amusement purposes or for teat-hing the mi, of aeronautics. \Yhen used for sueh purposes it is desirable that provision be made for allowing the flight of the aeroplane to he under ('ontrol of the operator.

\Vith my invention a number of aeroplanes are suitably attached to and movable ahout a restraining: tower. lhe tower is provided with a lnovahle huh or ring. From this ring flexihle eahles. preterahly of steel, extend to and are fastened to the various aemplanes. llneirelin; the tower is an ele- 'ated .-.pee.lwa v upon whieh the. aeroplanes l(JIlil:\ll V rest and upon whieh they travel lefore :u-quirin; proper speed'lor flight. l'ter attaining: proper speed or momentum ti e aeroplanes arise from the speedway and ei r-iri-le the tower. The flight in an upward o downward direetion is under rontrol oi tl e operator.

llavh aeroplane is provided with an indidual motor and the usual switehes and rl eostat for regulating its speed. The r: hles or rondur-tors earryingl the rurrenl to tl e motor extend to a master switr-h llH'tll l ll the tower. 'lhis swit h is under eontrol o the operator in the tower who. when dei 'ed. ran (-Ht oil the eurrent from the moti rs in the various aeroplanes and permit tl em to eome to rest.

'here the devir-e is used for arrvinn' pi sene'ers a pilot is provided for ear-h ear. The pilot upon a signal l'rom the operator lo 'a ed in the tower wil plate the motors in pel'nllon. the speed of (Ht'll aeroplane he. in; under eontrol of its own pilots .\l'l.er tln motor is started earh aeroplane. whieh is )rovhh-(l with wheels. will start to travel al all the speedway. In starting: the resl *aining r'ahles will he drawn taut and a l't r tiaaeroplanes acquire suflirient speed they ill rise from the speedway. The flight. o1

Specification 01 Letters Patent.

atented Oct. 17, 1916.

Serial No. 27.764.

eonrse, will be controlled by the ponies and also by the centrifugal force developed.

Athongh eaoh aeroplane is fastened to the sann, huh or ring by restraining eablos, its flight in an upward or downward direction is independent of the others and under control of its pilot.

ll'hen it is desired to stop the flight of the aeroplanes. ear-h pilot at a sieual from the operator in the tower euts ott' current from his respeetive motor or the operator can use the. mastor switr'h and out off the. current for all the motors at the same instant. In either event the aeroplanes will rontinue their flight after the motors stop running. due to the monn-ntum aeuuired. The (tentritugal tori-o exerted hr the aeroplanes attaehed to the restraining eahles will compel the eahles to remain taut and straight out from their point of fastening. .\s the momentum decreases the aeroplanes gradually desrend and settle upon the speedway.

\Yhen my devi -e is used as an amusement feature the speedway \\hirh eneireles the tower also forms an llllltlslll'o ahout the tower whieh ran he utilized for various pur- .poses. The area of the inelosuro ran he of an desired extent. depending upon the l ngth oi the restlainingj eahle whirh ean ho several hundred had in length. The speedway in fart forms an inrlosure for the amusement resort within whieh ran he ,lo rated \arious other amusenn-nt features. This inelosure to whirh an entrain'e is gained through the speedway provides space for loading: and unloading ol the passengers.

.\l invention is illustrated in the aeeompairviml drawings wherein:

Figure I shows the general arrangement ol' the aeroplanes. the restraining tower and speedway. Fig. 2 is a sole view of an aeroplane. Fig". fl is a plan view of an aeroplane. liJ. I shows in detail the arrangem nt, of the llnh and the ('lei'trieal eonneelions. Fig. 5 shows the signaling and eontrolling rir- ('lllth, Fig, 1'] shows in detail a sertion ol the r-anopy serving to l'orm a eoverin; for the inelosare within the s|uaal\\'a v.

llel'errin u to l 'ig. l. l have shown l'our aeroplane dev ees at fasten d to the restraining tower '1 he means of the restraiin ing cables (I. The elevated speedway is shown at W encircling the tower T. It will be noted that the speedway forms the inclosure about the tower T to which access is gained through the entrance V. Within the inclosure may be located other forms of amuscn'lent devices or concessions as illus-' trated.

As shown in Fig. 1 three pavilions or buildings shown at and the entrance V are equally spaced about the speed 'ay. The inclosure thus formed constitutes a square, the entrance being at one corner of the square and the pavilions located at the other three corners. Entrance to the speedway itself is preferably made from these pavil ions by means of the doors designated at F. The inclosure within the speedway may be entirely covered or shaded.

Figs. 2 and 3 show views of the preferred form of aeroplane or car. The body of the car is of fusiform shape aml when at rest is supported by means of three wheels 3U. Two of these wheels are located at the forward end of the car while a single wheel is located at the rear end of the car. Entrance to the car is secured through the doors indicated at 13. These doors are of the type used in automobiles. The seats 5 and 9 are provided for the passengers while the seat 7 is for the pilot who controls the an The seats can be hinged or arranged in any desired manner to allow an aisle for the passengers entering or leaving the ear. The aeroplane is provided with the planes 1 rigidly fastened to the body of the car in any desired manner. The tail is manipulated in an upward and downward position by means of the lever handle 21, which is under control of the pilot.

The propeller -'l is attached to the shaft of the motor (l as shown in Fig. 3. The speed of the motor is regulated by the pilot by means of the rheostat +1 (Fig. 5) as will he explained hereafter.

Referring p:u-ticularly to Fig. 3, it will be noted that the restraining cables C are fastened to bolts 15 which pass completely through the body of the car at the same angle with the restrainimg cables. Instead of providing the bolts 15 the cable (l could pass dircclly through the body of the car and in that event the bolts 15 would be omit ted. l y providing the bolts. however, the ar can be removed from the restraining cables bv anv suitable form of fastening device between the cables and the bolts. This arrangement allows the car to be disoonnectcd and removed from the speedway when df-sired.

In view of the weight of the car and the centrifugal force developed when in flight it is essential that proper support be given to the body of the aeroplane.

.shown at 7.

With the arrangement described the body of the aeroplane is in reality held or sup ported within the loops formed by the forward and rear restraining cables.

Referring to Fig. 4, the hub or ring to which is attached the cables C for cestraining" and directing the aeroplanes is shown at 53. This hub or ring is supported by means of the carriage or dish 51 which is rigidly fastened to the column Q. which forms a part of the tower T shown in Fig. 1. This column Q, can be of steel or any other suitable material. The arriage 5i provided with the roller bearings Y5 upon which the hub as; frmily turns. The hub 333 is provided with penings through which the restraining cables t7 paws. 'lh nwill be one of such oia'nings for each cable or two for each aeroplane. tcnell to the forward end of the PH or aeroplane and another faste ed lo the rear lub as plainly sh wn in hi In la ass bling the device a cable is passed through one of the openings in the hub forming a loop Both ends of this loop are then fastened to the bolls 1.5 at the forward end of the car. Another cable is then passed through a second opening in the hub also forming a loop and both ends of this loop are then fastened to the bolts 15 at the rear end of the car. \Vith this arrangement each car is fastened to the hub or ring by two V shaped restraining cables extending from the movable hub 53. The carriage 51 which supports the hub 53 is securely anchored to the speedway W by means of the cables (it. These cables are shown in Figs. 1 and 6. The hub 53 is provided with a disk or table 54 which carries the brushes or rollers B which form the electrical l"i')!lI!t(tlODE to the \arious aeroplanes. These brushes or rollers engage fixed rings R which are fastened to a fixed portion of the tower and insulated from one another in any suitable manner. The hub 33 in rotating carries with it the disk 34 which in turn carries th rollers R. In rotating these rollers remain in continuous engagement with the contact rings 1%. The feeder wires for carrying current for operating the various signals are preferably connected to theinner-sides of the rings as lhese feeder wires or cables pass through the casing Q in the manner shown. The restraining cables (I ser e to sup )ort the electrical conductors leading to the respective aeroplanes. The restraining cables (T are so positioned that one end of the loop is fastened to the body of the car below the center of gravity while the other is fastened above the center of gravity. This manner of fastening is the same with both the rear and forward cables. \Vhen the aeroplane is in flight it remains practically level as the arrangement of the cables serves th able is tas both to equalize he pull and maintain its balance.

Referring to Fig. 5, source of current supply for operating the motors and signals. M is the switch under control of the operator in the tower for connecting current to the motors in the aer planes, while the switch S is for operating signals in the aerop ane. Lamps 48 are also located in the tower, one being individual to each aeroplane and controlled by its respective switch 46 located in the aeroplane and under control of the pilot. 42 is a switch operated by the pilot for connecting current to the motor 0, while 41 is the rheostat for regulating the speed of the motor. 45 is the signal lamp controlled by the switch S.

Referring to Fig. (3, a section of the canopy or covering is shown at Y. There will be one of these sections for each supporting cable (l extending from the tower to the speedway. \Vhen not in use each section Y is rolled up on a reel K located under the speedway. Ropes or flexible cables I) reinforce the sides of each section. These ropes extend to and are fastened to a reel 11 located at a convenient place in the tower. When it is desired to cover orshade a particular por tion of the inclosurc, the reel L is operated thereby causing the ropes l) to be wound around the reel causing the section Y to be drawn up to the desired height. l lach cable (l acts as a center support or rib for its particular section of covering. .\s the control of each aeroplane is the same it will only be ncccssary to describe in detail the operation of one. In describing the operation of the motor and signal control I will use the circuit connections oi the aeroplane to the left of Fig. 5.

The operator in the tower lirst throws in the motor switch .\I which places currcnt under control of each pilot for starting his motor. After throwing in the switch .\l the operator throws in the switch 6 thereby lighting lamp 45. notityin the pilot that current has been supplied l'or opcraling the motor. When the switch 5 is thrown in the circuit of the lamp 4? is completed as follows: X. 5. source of current supply X. The pilot in receiving this signal throws in nuswitch l! thcrcby completing the circuit ol' the motor I] which operates aml callscs the propeller -l (o revolve. .\s the speed of the prop cllcr incrcascs the aeroplane moves about the speedway \Y supported by the wheels PM.

X represents the .\l'lcr sullicicnl momentum is gained the acroplanc ariscs from the |l'.'lli\' by means ot the lil'ling power ol' the planes 1 aml the centrifugal l'orcc dcvclopcd which exerts a gyroscopic inllucncc and creates stability. .\s the speed of each car is under control ol its own pilot it naturally follows that each h, I5, 44. 4."), -I() back to the.

car can attain a desired elevation independent or the others. In fact, although the aeroplanes are attached to the same movable hub or ring 53 by flexible restraining cables C, there will be no danger of collision as the space between the cars is in the same proportion as the space between the openings in the hub 53 through which the restraining cables pass.

Regardless of the number of aroplanes used, each one when in flight will extend outwardly from its point of fastening on the hub similar to a spoke in a wheel. Although the aeroplanes with their restaining cables can be likened to the spokes of a wheel as to s acing. ach one is capable of independent flight as to elevation. ()ne aeroplane may in flight attain an elevation of twenty feet above the speedway, another thirty feet and. still another forty feet or more. The desired elevation can be attained by the pilots by regulating the speed of the motors and properly adjusting the tails of the aeroplanes.

When it is desired to end the llight ot the aeroplanes. the tower operator opens the switch h thereby extinguishing the lamps 45 in each aeroplane. The pilots noting the eZ'- tinguishing of this signal lamp will then opcratc theirswitclu-s lo, thus causing their rcspcmive signal lamps 4b in the tower to light. The lighting of these lamps notifies the operator that the extinguishing of the lamps 45 has been noted. The tower operator thcn opens the switch .\I disconnecting current from the motors of all the aeroplanes The pilots. of course. a'lter receiy ing the signals that the flight is to cease adjust the tails of their respective aeroplanes in preparation for descent to the speedway.

'ith a standard speed established and in ordcr to maintain the proper centrifugal force extended by each car. a slwedometcr is placed in each car and also in the tower. This will also serve to indicate the power required for the loaded or partly loaded aero planes.

()t' course movable to each car and under control of the for rcgulalingthe llight.

While I have shown my invention as applied to aeroplanes it l'ollows that hydroaeroplanes may be used. In such an event the Iowqr would bc cntircly surrounded y water or tlnwater-course could be incloscd within retaining walls of a circular iuclosurc corresponding to the speedway itscll. 'lhc cars would be constructed for walcr-travcl as well as l olnil' llig'llt.

Having thus described my invention. what I desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

I. In a captive aeroplane device. the combination with a tower. of an acwiplane pro vidcd with individual motive means For planes may be attached pilot causing its flight about said tower, two V-shaped restraining cables extending radially from said tower and attached respectively to the rear and forward parts of said aeroplane at points above and below the center of gravity, to equalize the pull and main tain the balance of said aeroplane when in flight, the flight of said aeroplane in upward, and downward directions being controlled by said individual motive means, the extent of said flight in an outward direction. being controlled by said restraining cables.

2. In a captive aeroplane device, the combination with a tower provided with a movable hub or ring. of an aeroplane provided with individual motive means for causing its flight about said tower. two V-shaped restraining cables extending radially from said hub and attached respectively to the rear and forward parts of said aeroplane at points above and below the center of gravity, to equalize the pull and maintain the balance of said aeroplane when in flight but normally exerting no influence thereon, the flight of said aeroplane in upward and downward directions being controlled entirely by said individual motive means, the extent of the flight as to distance remaining constant in relation to said hub.

In a captive aeroplane device. the combination with a tower provided with a oarriage, of a hub or ring mounted and rotatable upon said carriage, a raised speedway encircling said tower, cables extending from said carriage to said speedway for support ing said tower, an aeroplane provided with individual motive means for causing its flight and for causing the rotation of said hub on said carriage, two V-shaped restraining cables extending radially from said hub and attached respectively to the rear and forward parts of said aeroplane at points above and below the center of gravity, to equalize the pull and maintain the balance of said aeroplane when in flight but normally exerting no influence thereon, the flight of said aeroplane in an upward and downward direction being controlled enti rely by said individual motive means, and additional means for controlling said moti ve means at will.

4. In an ammratus of the class described, the combination with a tower provided with a movable hub or ring, of a plurality of aeroplanes, two V-shaped restraining cables extending radially from said hub to each of said aeroplanes and attached respectively to the rear and forward parts of said aeroplanes at points above and below the center of gravity, to maintain the balance of said aeroplanes when in flight but normally exerting no influence thereon, individual motive means associated with each of said aeroplanes for causing its flight about said tower, the limit of the flight of each aeroplane in an upward and downward direction being controlled by its "individual mo- .tive means, the flight of each aeroplane being entirely independent of the other.

5. In an apparatus of the class described, the combination with a tower, of a plurality of aeroplanes, two V-shaped restraining cables extending from saidtower to each of said aeroplanes and attached thereto at points above and below the center of gravity for maintaining the balance of said aeroplanes when in flight, said aeroplanes when at rest being entirely self-supporting and independent of said cables, individual motive means associated with each of said acroplanes for causing its flight about said tower, additional individual means associated with each of said aeroplanes for controlling the motive means for varying its flight in an upward and downward direction irrespective of the others.

(3. in a device of the class described, the combination with a tower provided with a movable hub or ring, of a plurality of aeroplanes attached to said hub by means of radially extending cables, an individual inotor associated with each of said areoplanes for controlling its flight, signaling means For each of said aeroplanes, a source of current supply. a plurality of distributing devices carried by said hub for supplying the source of current for said motive and signaling means.

7. in a device of the class described, the combination with a tower and a plurality of aeroplanes movahly attached thereto by radially extending cables, an electric motor for each of said aeroplanes for causing its flight about said tower, a visual signal in each of said aeroplanes controlled from said tower. means associated with each of said aeroplanes for regulating the speed of its motor in response to said visual signal.

8. In a device of the class described, the combination with a tower provided withia movable hub or ring, of a plurality of aeroplanes attachcd to said hub by means of radially extending cables, a plurality of dis tributcr rings attached to said tower, a plu rality of brushes or contact arms carried by said hub to engage said rings, an electric motor for each of said aeroplanes for causing its flight about said tower, a visual signal in each of said aeroplanes controlled from said tower, a source of current supply for said motor and said signals, said source of cu rrcnt supply being distributed by means of said distributcr rings and brushes.

9. In a device or" the class described, the combination with a tower provided witha rotatable hub or ring, of a plurality of aeroplanes attached to said hub by means of radially extending cables, a plurality of distributcr rings attached to said tower, a plurality of contact arms carried by said hub and engaging said rings, an electric motor for each of said aeroplanes for causing its independent flight about said tower for caus- 10 nails serving to determine the control of said electric motors, a source of current supply,

said source of current supply being distrib- In tustimolrv whereof I affix my signature 15 in presence of two witnesses.

CLAUDE S. MGCOOLE. itnossest H. PoLA'rsEK, Josnrn IIERSIIEY. 

